Unable to skip update

I've got you covered, @Phyllisj. Here's everything you need to know about QuickBooks updates. 

In QuickBooks, you'll see update prompts when there are new important additions included on your software's release version. Just like for Release 10 (R10), there is a lot of new features update happen which requires you to update the QuickBooks first before opening the company file. For more info, please see this article: Release notes for QuickBooks Desktop 2020.

You can also head to the Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release page if in case you want QuickBooks to be automatically updated. With this, QuickBooks will automatically download and installs the latest updates when they're released. 

Keep me posted here if you have further concerns about updating your QuickBooks. I want to ensure your success. Thanks for coming to the Community and take care.

Thank you, but this doesn't answer the question. Both my client and I wanted to skip the update. There can be a lot of valid reasons to skip the update a few times before running it. But in both our cases we got warnings that we had a limited number of times we would be able to skip the update. My client apparently exceeded that limit and was unable to open QuickBooks at all until she ran the update. 

My concern is, when did this start happening? I'd never noticed it before so I assume it started with R9 (since we were both updating to R10) but it might be older than that and I just never encountered it before.

That asked, i now have another question. Is there a setting I can access to turn this off? When QB is on a terminal server and the update requires a reboot, it is not possible to run the update except at specific scheduled times and this feature can cause substantial difficulties.

Hello @Phyllisj! I'm glad to see you in the Community today. :)

This is a new feature with updates in QuickBooks Desktop. I know it can be frustrating to run updates during your workday, but we have found there to be many issues that come from postponing updates for long periods of time. This feature is to keep everyone's accounts operating efficiently and with fewer bugs. 

I'm more than happy to give your feedback to our developers though and if you have any more questions, please feel free to reply to this post. All of us here are happy to help!

I am working remotely most of the time on my client's desktop Quick Books version. Quick Books warned me I have 1 more time before I need to update. I don't want to do the update, because every time I run the update, it gets stack for an hour and even show it's finished I can't use Quick books. If I cancel I can't work on Quick Books because is asking me to do update. It's really frustrated. It takes a while that I can use Quick Books again. Please fix the problem with updates.

This issue still exists. The update is required to open QBs. When trying to update get error messages, therefore unable to update. This results in eliminating access to QBs. A program that has been paid for and now locked out of because of an update. 

Support got it running again on one day, but the next day the issue returned. Contacting support again, their solutions was to upgrade windows or QBs. It is like I'm being held hostage.

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@DennisFunk wrote:

Contacting support again, their solutions was to upgrade windows or QBs. It is like I'm being held hostage.

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@DennisFunk 

Which QBD year version do you have?

Wondering if you ever received a solution to this issue.  I have the same issue QB did a update to my account and told be to resync license but that solution did not work now I am outside support hours.  Thanks

@Hcoffin 

Which QBD year version do you have? Can you access your CAMPS as Primary Contact and find your license code there?

Hello there, Hcoffin.

You can access CAMPs as the primary admin to get and re-sync your license. Let me show you how:

1. Sign in to camps.intuit.com. Or learn more about signing in.
2. Find your app or subscription in the Products & Services list.
3. By selecting your product, you can see your license and product number, user limit, payroll service key, etc.

You can check these resources about handling business information and other tasks: 

• Account management.
• Manage your QuickBooks Desktop subscriptions and services.

Feel free to leave a response below. We are always available to help. Have a great day.

There appears to be no resolution. This is a major problem for companies that have a terminal server with more than one or two users because the update has always (since QB 2021) required a server reboot after running. It being impossible to get over 100 people off a terminal server to allow for the reboot, this means accounting staff cannot access their QuickBooks for a minimum of one day. (Companies that run round-the-clock must schedule their reboot at least a day in advance and by then the few permitted logins before requiring the update have been reached.)

It would be ideal if someone, say the Admin user, could set the number of times to allow folks to log in without running the update. I would think 10 to 12 times should be okay, but 3 is just untenable.

Good morning, @PhyllisTJ. 

Thanks for joining in on this thread. I appreciate you coming here with your concern. 

I can see how beneficial this would be for your business. However, I'll send this feedback to our Product Developers so they can consider this in the next available update.

Check out our Blog site to keep up with what's new in the system.  

I'm only a post away if you need me again. We're always here to have your back. Take care! 

I'm not a child in your daycare.

Stop treating me like a child.
If I don't want to do an update, I have my reasons.

This is the worst feature of  Quickbooks. We run into this problem all the time. We are held hostage from using our program and every time we update we have to set aside time to call customer support in hopes someone will be able to help us because we no longer are able to use QB on different computers after the update. It is absolutely unacceptable to have this program function like this. When we see updates it means we eventually will not be able to use the program for minimum one-two days. I've read this thread and it is so disappointing to see no help given. 

I agree this is frustrating that I cannot open my purchased product QuickBooks Pro 2020.  A window pops up with an update, no option to ignore, just to close the software.  My product was updated in February 2023, I was able to use it and now the same thing is happening with another update and I cannot open the program.  

I use my QB for just my use. I don't use it for paying bill or writing checks. I input my checks and deposits and print a P&L to my account. I had to uninstall QB update and reinstalled my version. I tried to open my company file and it says my file is out of date and I must update. I did that once and that was a nightmare. I had to uninstall and reinstall my program to see if I could open my file. It won't let me open the file because it needs to update but there is no way to do that since I can't get into QB. I just need to get into my file. 

I appreciate you for joining the thread, @kimkdep.

I see how challenging it is when your company file won't open, I'm here to help.

There are five solutions to fix this issue. 

The first one is to update QuickBooks and check your file type:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.
2. Make sure the file you want to open is a company file (.QBW). You can't open other file types, like backups (QBB) and portable files (QBM) the same way.
3. Make sure your file isn't compressed or encrypted:
   a. Right-click the company file and select Properties.
   b. Select Advanced.
   c. Clear the Compress and Encrypt checkboxes.
   d.Select OK.

If you still can’t open your company file, continue to Solution 2. Don't save the desktop when you close QuickBooks (QB). QBB will re-open any windows left open when you close the company file. If you have a large repro or several windows set to open automatically, QB can freeze on startup. Here's how to open your company file without saved windows:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. In No Company Open, select your company file.
3. Tap and hold ALT on your keyboard, then select Open. Don't let go of ALT until the file opens. If QuickBooks asks you to sign in, release ALT and enter your password. Press and hold ALT again, and choose OK.
   
   If your company opens successfully, turn off the Save the desktop when closing preference.

1. From the Edit icon, select Preferences.
2. Choose the Desktop view.
3. Pick Don't save the desktop, then click OK.
4. Close and open QuickBooks again and open your company file.

If it opens successfully, you're good to go. And if you can't open your company file, proceed to the other solution by reading this article: Can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

I'll add this article for future help:

• Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

I'm glad to have you here. Please come back if you have additional questions. I'll be willing to lend a hand. Thank you, and have a good day!

@kimkdep 

Which QB Desktop year version do you have?

Hi Bryan. Thanks for responding. I have 2017 pro. When updating do I update from the 2023 update or a earlier version and then keep updating until I reach the 2023?

When trying to open the company file from Quickbooks it says the file must be updated and it won't let me move forward. 

kimkdep

Bryan. On the second step you provided. The file won't open when pressing the Alt key it says it was created by an older version and I must update. Do I?

Hello there, @kimkdep.

Let me join the thread and help you get into your file.

The QuickBooks Desktop 2017 has already been discontinued. That's why the system prompts you that your file is out of date and you must update it.

If you have a back up copy of your company file, you can restore it on your QuickBooks Desktop 2017 account. You may also consider upgrading to the latest version to continue using the product.  

For detailed information about our service discontinuation policy, here's an article that you can read: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

Feel free to post again or comment below if you have further questions accessing your file in QBDT. I'm always here to help. Keep safe.

Hi Mirriam. When I go to restore the file it says it was created in an earlier format and I have to update. When I try to update the link is broken. .To upgrade to a newer QB I have to pay $400 and I don't  use any of the items that are included which for our business is a waste of money. If I upgrade to a newer version can I open my file? You are just doing your job but this is very frustrating when QB is forcing me to update and pay more money I can't afford and don't need. Thanks for your help. . 

Kim

We hear your sentiments, kimkdep. We understand how can potential effects of an issue may impact your QuickBooks business operations. Please know that we don't want you to struggle with managing your company file.

You need to update to a later version of QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT 2021 to 2023) from within the program since your QuickBooks Desktop 2017 has already been discontinued to utilize your company file again. 

You can get in touch with our Support Team to help you obtain your company file if you don't want to upgrade your product. However, you also need to pay for the support plan.

In case you might want to upgrade to a newer version. Refer to this article: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, or Enterprise.

QuickBooks Online allows you to access your data anytime, anywhere, sync bank transactions, pay bills, and more. If you decided to switch to QuickBooks Online moving forward, feel free to visit these articles for your reference:

• QuickBooks Online pricing page
• Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online

Keep us posted if you have further concerns about your company file or other QuickBooks-related questions. The Community is always looking forward to assisting you. Take care!

@kimkdep 

You can purchase a new license for QB Desktop 2023. Have you tried to download the latest installer file for QB Desktop 2017 to reinstall it on your machine?

Can I please get the phone number of who to call discuss upgrades? I looked up a number online and called it. I got a guy who said he wanted to go one my computer and check out my problems and install the right program if needed. I hung  up on him.